SEVENTH MEAL (04-19-12)

John 6:11
Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them to those who were reclining, and also as much of the fish as they wanted.
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Whenever I walk through the mall, I marvel at the number of restaurants present in there. Morever, the business is good for them since most of the time, they are full.

And as I walk the streets, the same phenomenon can be observed – little canteens (carinderia) and fast food chains abound. This can be due to the fact that most Filipinos eat SIX times a day. Yes, SIX times – breakfast, morning snack, lunch, afternoon snack, dinner and midnight snack.

But we also have another type of hunger – our spiritual hunger. And there is a mean that would complete us – our SEVENTH meal for the day. The meal is no other than the Lord Jesus Christ, the bread of life. We could not live without food for very long. The meal the completes us.

Food sustains us. But, Jesus clearly meant something more than mere physical existence. The life Jesus refers to is connected with God, who is the author of life. Real life is a relationship with the living God, a relationship of faith, trust, love, obedience. This is what Jesus makes possible for us -- a loving relationship with the God who created us for love with Him.

First he offers Himself as spiritual food which produces the very life of God within us. Second, He promises unbroken friendship and freedom from the fear of being forsaken or cut off from God. Third, He offers us the hope of sharing in his resurrection. Do you know the joy and hope of the resurrection? He is the bread of life, include Him and make Him the most important meal in your life.

Let us pray +

Lord Jesus Christ, Your death brought life and hope where there was once only despair and defeat. Give me the unshakeable hope of everlasting life, the inexpressible joy of knowing your unfailing love, and the unquestioning faith and obedience in doing the will of our Father in heaven.

One thing I seek: to dwell in the house of the Lord.